A novel stricture prevention technique in blunt urethral injury: A multi-center retrospective observational study

Yang Mi,Jingyu Wang,Jinfeng Wu,Xiaopeng Wang,Bin Yang,Ruimin Ren,Yangang Zhang,Xiaobin Yuan,Xuhui Zhang 대한비뇨의학회 2022 Investigative and Clinical Urology Vol.63 No.1

Purpose: Bulbar injury is the most common type of urethral injury. This study investigated the efficacy and safety of a novel technique, local urethral flushing, in preventing stricture formation after blunt bulbar urethra injuries. Materials and Methods: This retrospective study included 205 males diagnosed with straddle injury-induced bulbar urethra injury at the Shanxi Bethune Hospital and First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University between January 2015 and January 2019. Patients were diagnosed by retrograde urethrography and classified as partial or complete urethral rupture according to the urethral integrity after injury. Complete urethral rupture patients received suprapubic cystostomy and received urethroplasty 3 months later. Patients with partial urethral rupture underwent endoscopic urethral realignment by cystoscopic guide-wire guided catheterization. Patients with both injury types were divided into 3 groups. The treatment groups received urethral flushing with 0.05% dexamethasone through a secondary ureteral catheter that locked at the urethral lesion. The blank control groups received normal saline. The negative control groups had only a single ureteral catheter placed. Patients were assessed for pain during catheterization, infection, and stenosis, and followed for at least 2 years. Results: Stenosis rates and length were significantly reduced in the normal saline groups, and even further reduced in the dexamethasone groups. The negative control groups had significantly higher infection rates than patients in the dexamethasone or saline groups. Conclusions: Local urethral flushing with dexamethasone could significantly decrease urethral stenosis rates and severity without increasing patients’ discomfort or infection risk.

Two new species of <i>Trivalvaria</i> ( Annonaceae ) from northern Myanmar

Yang, Bin,Zhou, Shi-Shun,Ding, Hong-Bo,Li, Ren,Maung, Kyaw Win,Tan, Yun-Hong Pensoft Publishers 2018 PhytoKeys Vol.94 No.-

<P>Abstract</P><P><I>Trivalvariarubra</I> and <I>Trivalvariacasseabriae</I>, two new species of Annonaceae from Putao, Kachin State, Myanmar, are here described and illustrated. They are morphologically similar to <I>T.costata</I> and <I>T.macrophylla</I>. The major differences between them are outlined and discussed. A diagnostic key to the species of <I>Trivalvaria</I> is provided.</P>

Fault Recoverability Analysis of Nonlinear Systems: A Piecewise Affine System Approach

Wenjing Ren,Hao Yang,Bin Jiang 제어·로봇·시스템학회 2017 International Journal of Control, Automation, and Vol.15 No.2

The recoverability reflects the capability of the system to tolerate the worst faults over a prescribed setunder admissible energy constrains. In this paper, a piecewise affine (PWA) controller is designed for a PWAapproximation of the nonlinear dynamics, which can stabilize the original nonlinear system under some conditions. By analyzing the upper bound of the piecewise linear quadratic control performance of the PWA system, a novelfault recoverability evaluation scheme is further proposed for the nonlinear system with respect to the given limitof admissible control performance. A longitudinal flight control example is taken to show the effectiveness of theproposed method.

Self‑Supported Phosphorus‑Doped Vertically Aligned Graphene Arrays Integrated with FeCoNiP Nanoparticles as Bifunctional Electrocatalysts for Water‑Splitting Over a Wide pH Range

Zujin Yang,Firdoz Shaik,Keming Liang,Kaiming Guo,Xiaolin Ren,Bin Jiang 대한금속·재료학회 2021 ELECTRONIC MATERIALS LETTERS Vol.17 No.1

Self-supported non-noble metal based bifunctional electrocatalysts with high catalytic activity and long-term stability in awide pH range are highly essential for the production of hydrogen and oxygen, remains a great challenge. Herein, a bifunctional electrocatalyst is synthesized via electroless plating of FeCoNiP nanoparticles on self-supported phosphorus-dopedvertically aligned graphene arrays (FeCoNiP/P-VG). FeCoNiP/P-VG exhibits an exceptionally high catalytic activity forhydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) in a wide pH range, with an overpotential of 81and 141 mV for HER, and 240 and 409 mV for OER, in 1.0 M KOH and 0.5 M H2SO4 respectively, at current density of10 mA. It also performs quite low Tafel slope value of 40 mV·dec−1 for HER and 69 mV·dec−1 for OER in 1.0 M KOH. More importantly, it shows prominent stability in acidic and alkaline electrolytes. This study may open a new avenue for thedesign and fabrication of self-supported bifunctional electrocatalysts for water splitting.

Spatiotemporal Variations and Possible Sources of Ambient PM10 from 2003 to 2012 in Luzhou, China

Dong Ren,Youping Li,Hong Zhou,Xiaoxia Yang,Xiaoman Li,Xuejun Pan,Bin Huang 대한환경공학회 2014 Environmental Engineering Research Vol.19 No.4

Descriptive statistics methods were used to study the spatiotemporal variations and sources of ambient particulate matter (PM10) in Luzhou, China. The analyzed datasets were collected from four national air quality monitoring stations: Jiushi (S1), Xiaoshi (S2), Zhongshan (S3), Lantian (S4) over the period of 2003-2012. This city was subjected serious PM10 pollution, and the long-term annual average PM10 concentrations varied from 76 to 136 μg/m3. The maximum concentration was more than 3-fold of the annual average (40 μg/m3) issued by EPA-China for the ambient air quality. General temporal pattern was characterized by high concentrations in winter and low concentrations in summer, and general spatial gradient was in the reduction order of S2 > S4 > S3 > S1, which were both due to different particulate contributors and special meteorological conditions. The source apportionment indicated that vehicular emissions, road dusts, coal burning and chemical dusts were the major contributors of the identified PM10 pollution, and the vehicular emissions and the road wear re-suspended particles dominated the heavy PM10 pollution in recent years. Two other potential sources, agricultural and celebration activities could decrease the air quality in a short term. Finally, some corresponding suggestions and measures were provided to improve the air quality.

Evaluation of Renal Pathophysiological Processes Induced by an Iodinated Contrast Agent in a Diabetic Rabbit Model Using Intravoxel Incoherent Motion and Blood Oxygenation Level-Dependent Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Yongfang Wang,Xin Zhang,Bin Wang,Yang Xie,Yi Wang,Xuan Jiang,Rongjia Wang,Ke Ren 대한영상의학회 2019 Korean Journal of Radiology Vol.20 No.5

Objective: To examine the potential of intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM) and blood oxygen level-dependent (BOLD) magnetic resonance imaging for detecting renal changes after iodinated contrast-induced acute kidney injury (CI-AKI) development in a diabetic rabbit model. Materials and Methods: Sixty-two rabbits were randomized into 2 groups: diabetic rabbits with the contrast agent (DCA) and healthy rabbits with the contrast agent (NCA). In each group, 6 rabbits underwent IVIM and BOLD imaging at 1 hour, 1 day, 2 days, 3 days, and 4 days after an iohexol injection while 5 rabbits were selected to undergo blood and histological examinations at these specific time points. Iohexol was administrated at a dose of 2.5 g I/kg of body weight. Further, the apparent transverse relaxation rate (R2*), average pure molecular diffusion coefficient (D), pseudo-diffusion coefficient (D*), and perfusion fraction (f) were calculated. Results: The D and f values of the renal cortex (CO) and outer medulla (OM) were significantly decreased compared to baseline values in the 2 groups 1 day after the iohexol injection (p < 0.05). A marked reduction in the D* values for both the CO and OM was also observed after 1 hour in each group (p < 0.05). In the OM, a persistent elevation of the R2* was detected for 4 days in the DCA group (p < 0.05). Histopathological changes were prominent, and the pathological features of CI-AKI aggravated in the DCA group until day 4. The D, f, and R2* values significantly correlated with the histological damage scores, hypoxiainducible transcription factor-1α expression scores, and serum creatinine levels. Conclusion: A combination of IVIM and BOLD imaging may serve as a noninvasive method for detecting and monitoring CIAKI in the early stages in the diabetic kidney.

Effects of zearalenone on the localization and expression of the growth hormone receptor gene in the uteri of post-weaning piglets

Min Zhou,Li Jie Yang,Wei Ren Yang,Li Bo Huang,Xue Mei Zhou,Shu Zhen Jiang,Zai Bin Yang 아세아·태평양축산학회 2018 Animal Bioscience Vol.31 No.1

Objective: In this study, we investigated the adverse effects of dietary zearalenone (ZEA) (0.5 to 1.5 mg/kg diet) on the localization and expression of the growth hormone receptor (GHR) in the uteri of post-weaning gilts and explored alternative mechanism of the reproductive toxicity of ZEA on piglets. Methods: A total of forty healthy piglets (Duroc×Landrace×Large White) aged 28 d were selected for study. Piglets were transferred to single cages after 10 days’ adaptation on an obstetric table. The animals were allocated to one of four treatments: a normal basal diet supplemented with 0 (Control), 0.5 (ZEA0.5), 1.0 (ZEA1.0), or 1.5 (ZEA1.5) mg/kg purified ZEA, and fed for 35 d after the 10-d adaptation. Analyzed ZEA concentrations in the diets were 0, 0.52±0.07, 1.04±0.03, and 1.51±0.13 mg/kg, respectively. At the end of the feeding trial, piglets were euthanized after being fasted for 12 h. Two samples of uterine tissue from each pig were rapidly collected, one of which was stored at –80°C for analysis of the relative mRNA and protein expression of GHR, and the second was promptly fixed in Bouin’s solution for immunohistochemical analysis. Results: The relative weight of the uteri and thickness of the myometrium and endometrium increased linearly (p<0.001) and quadratically (p<0.001) with an increasing level of ZEA. The results of immunohistochemical analysis indicated that GHR immunoreactive substance was mainly localizated in the cytoplasm of uterine smooth muscle, glandular epithelial, luminal epithelial, stromal, and vascular endothelial cells. In contrast, nuclear staining was rarely observed. The immunoreactive integrated optic density of GHR in the myometrium, luminal epithelium, glandular epithelium, and whole uteri of weaning gilts increased linearly (p<0.001) and quadratically (p<0.05) with an increasing level of ZEA. The mRNA and protein expression of GHR in the uteri of weaning gilts increased linearly (p<0.001) and quadratically (p<0.05) with an increasing level of ZEA. Conclusion: In conclusion, ZEA at a concentration of 0.5 mg/kg was sufficient to significantly thicken the myometrium and endometrium, and at a concentration of 1.0 mg/kg induced a high level of GHR expression to promote growth and development of the uteri. This revealed an alternative molecular mechanism whereby ZEA induces growth and development of the uteri and provides a theoretical basis for the revision of Chinese feed hygiene standards.

Heavy metal removal from aqueous solution by granular hydrated Portland cement

Peng Cheng,Yongxiang Ren,Lei Yang,Rituan Li,Xue Wang,Bin Li,Honglin Yuan 한국화학공학회 2022 Korean Journal of Chemical Engineering Vol.39 No.12

Granular hydrated Portland cement (HPC) was prepared as adsorbent to remove heavy metals in aqueoussolution. Batch experiment results confirmed that heavy metals were removed through a combination of adsorptionand precipitation. Adsorption played a more important role in the initial stage of the removal process or at lower concentrationsof the heavy metals. After adsorption equilibrium was obtained in two days, the removal process continuedfor about three days due to the precipitation. Besides precipitation, the maximum Langmuir adsorption capacity reached132.27, 87.14, 123.43 and 112.05mg/g for Pb, Cu, Zn, and Cd, respectively. When various heavy metals coexisted, theremoval capacity followed the order of Cu>Pb>Cd>Zn. The adsorption on the surfaces of HPC was mainly governedby surface precipitation and Ca2+ exchange, as suggested by XRD, SEM-EDS and released Ca2+ results. Most of theadsorbed heavy metals on the HPC and the precipitation formed in the liquid phase were stable under neutral andalkaline conditions. Overall, HPC particles exhibited a large potential for heavy metal removal. When cement-relatedmaterials containing HPC are employed for heavy metal removal, the dissolution of the precipitate at low pH mightfacilitate the migration of the heavy metals.

The Lymphatic Drainage Pattern of Internal Mammary Sentinel Lymph Node Identified by Small Particle Radiotracer (99mTc-Dextran 40) in Breast

Xiao-Shan Cao,Guo-Ren Yang,Bin-Bin Cong,Peng-Fei Qiu,Yong-Sheng Wang 대한암학회 2019 Cancer Research and Treatment Vol.51 No.2

Purpose The purpose of this study was to detect the lymphatic drainage pattern of internal mammary area and verify the concept of internal mammary sentinel lymph node (IM-SLN) in breast. Materials and Methods A small particle radiotracer (99mTc-Dextran 40) was prepared and tested. 99mTc-Dextran 40 was injected into intraparenchyma at the sound breast by a modified radiotracer injection technique. Subsequently, dynamic single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), computed tomography (CT), and SPECT/CT combination images were performed to identify the radioactive lymph vessels and internal mammary lymph nodes (IMLNs). The direction of lymph drainage and the location of the IMLNs were identified in the SPECT/CT imaging. Results The radiochemical purity of 99mTc-Dextran 40 was > 95%. 99mTc-Dextran 40 could drainage into first, second, and third lymph node and the radioactive lymph node could be detected by the  detector in the animal experiment. After 99mTc-Dextran 40 injecting into intraparenchyma, 50.0% cases (15/30) were identified the drainage lymphatic vessels and radioactive IMLNs by SPECT. The drainage lymphatic vessel was found from injection point to the first IMLN (IM-SLN) after 10.5±0.35 minutes radiotracer injection, and then 99mTc-Dextran 40 was accumulated into the IM-SLN. The combination imaging of SPECT/CT showed the second IMLN received the lymph drainage from the IM-SLN. The lymphatic drainage was step by step in the internal mammary area. Conclusion The lymph was identified to drain from different regions of the breast to IM-SLN, and then outward from IM-SLN to other IMLN consecutively. It demonstrated the concept of the IM-SLN and provided more evidences for the application of internal mammary sentinel lymph node biopsy.

Assessing the role of everolimus in reducing hepatocellular carcinoma recurrence after living donor liver transplantation for patients within the UCSF criteria

Ashok Thorat,Long-Bin Jeng,Horng-Ren Yang,Chun-Chieh Yeh,Shih-Chao Hsu,Te-Hung Chen,Kin-Shing Poon 한국간담췌외과학회 2017 Annals of hepato-biliary-pancreatic surgery Vol.21 No.4

Backgrounds/Aims: The protective effect of everolimus (EVR) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients who receive liver transplantation in terms of reducing the recurrence has not been sufficiently investigated in clinical trials. In this second stage of our ongoing study, we intend to analyze the effects of EVR as an immunosuppressant, when it is started in the early phase after living donor liver transplantation (LDLT), on HCC recurrence in patients with HCC within the University of California at San Francisco (UCSF) criteria. Methods: From January 2011 to June 2013, a total of 250 patients underwent LDLT for HCC at our institute. The patients with HCC within the UCSF criteria were included in the study and divided in two groups depending upon the postoperative immunosuppression. Group A: HCC patients that received EVR+TAC based immunosuppressive regimen (n=37). Group B: HCC patients that received standard TAC based immunosuppressive regimen without EVR (n=29). The target trough level for EVR was 3 to 5 ng/ml while for TAC it was 8-10 ng/ml. Results: For group A patients, the mean trough level of the EVR was 3.47±1.53 ng/ml (range, 1.5-11.2) with a daily dose of 1.00±0.25 mg/day. For group A and B, the average TAC trough levels were 6.97±3.98 ng/ml (range, 2.50 to 11.28 ng/ml) and 6.93±2.58 (range, 2-16.30), respectively. The 1-year, 3-year and 4-year overall survival achieved for Group A patients was 94.95%, 86.48% and 86.48%, respectively while for Group B patients it was 82.75%,68.96%, and 62.06%, respectively (p=0.0217). Conclusions: EVR use in liver transplant recipients in the early stage after transplantation reduces the HCC recurrence rates in HCC patients within the UCSF criteria.